Cisgender: understand the process of identifying gender identity

Gender issues have gained space in society. However, the subject is complex and raises several doubts. In this article, LGBTQIA+ activist and consumer scientist Gi Morales explains what it means to identify as cisgender. Follow up!

What is cisgender?

According to Gi Morales, LGBTQIA+ activist and creator of the Gênero Flúed BR channel, the concept of cis or cisgender is the opposite of trans and transgender. Cis people identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.

In the words of Gi Morales, “gender is a social construction, that is, a set of cultural determinations. For example, expectations about what people consider ‘being a man’ and ‘being a woman’ change depending on where and when we live. In the 18th century, men were expected to wear pantyhose, rice powder and wig, something very different from society’s current expectations. Thus, the concept of gender encompasses several factors, including expression, expectations and gender identity”.

The activist explains that gender expression is linked to aesthetic aspects, such as hair length, whether or not to trim body hair, use of makeup, types of clothing, among others. In addition, it is related to aspects of behavior, such as the pronoun the person uses, the places they frequent, the tone of voice, etc. This combination of factors determines whether a person adheres to the gender assigned at birth.

In addition to expression, there is the expectation of gender. This is a social demand that restricts and stipulates behaviors for certain body types. For example, when a person is born with a vulva (external organ where the clitoris is located), socially, he is expected to grow up submissive, take care of household chores, wear dresses, etc.

A person can run away from stereotyped expectation and continue to identify as cis. This is related to gender identity, that is, the way a person sees himself, places himself in the world and wants to be seen socially.

The process to define gender identity is a long search for self-knowledge, with deep reflections on social rules, explains Gi Morales. According to the activist, as this questioning is not encouraged, many people do not think about it, they continue with the same behaviors conditioned by the patriarchal system, reproducing micro-machismo and other prejudices.

As society is heterocisnormative, by imposing the standard, all people are expected to be heterosexual and cisgender. So much so that many are, but are unaware of the term. That’s because they don’t need to constantly assert themselves, fighting for space and recognition.

questions about cisgender

As already mentioned, the matter is complex. It could not be otherwise, because complexity is part of being human. However, it is important to study and seek reliable information. Gi Morales clarifies three doubts that a lot of people tend to have when it comes to gender identity.

What is the difference between cisgender and heterosexual?

The term cisgender refers to the gender identity of a person (male or female). The term heterosexual, on the other hand, refers to sexuality, in this case, the attraction to the opposite gender.

What is the difference between cisgender and transgender?

As already explained, cisgender is a person who identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth. A binary trans person identifies with the opposite gender, that is, trans men and trans women.

What is the difference between cisgender and non-binary?

Unlike the cisgender person, who identifies with the gender assigned at birth, and unlike the trans-binary person, who identifies with the opposite gender from the one assigned at birth, the non-binary person does not fully identify with the gender assigned at birth, nor does he with the opposite gender.

There is still resistance in approaching the subject, especially by people who do not have information about gender diversity. However, this is a completely personal matter and must always be respected by society. Also learn what transsexuality is and what actions can contribute to the fight against transphobia.